What does RUNCLUB mean to you?
"When I first started Run Club, I was last on my runs, and very out of breath, but through lots of training and dedication to the program everything has changed. I have currently been in Run Club for 2 years, and have participated in 4 Half Marathons, 3-10k runs, and look forward to running everyday. It has helped me rehab from injuries, helped me with personal problems, but most of all it's taught me to jump out of my comfort zone and be ME. I've formed everlasting friendships, and look forward to the goals Jo Berry sets forth for our runs, as well hearing all the accomplishments that the other runners have had. Run Club is fun, fearless running, with tons of inspiration and accomplishments. We are a TEAM, and Together Everyone Achieves More." ~ Ashly Hay
I am glad that I have been able to be a part of something "magical" - thank-you so much for all you have given to so many people but especially all that you have given to me. Thank-you is such a small phrase, something people say a lot and maybe something people should say more often...I had no idea when I joined Runclub in 2005 that it would prove to be one of the most important decisions I would make. Especially these past few years since losing Kenny. There have been so many days when I've come to Runclub feeling sooooo low and I've always left feeling so much better...little-by-little, week-by-week RUNClub has helped me to heal my hurts and to cope better with the hurts that have yet to heal and to have faith that they will heal, eventually. (Gotta love those Endorphins!) Before Runclub I didn't think I would ever "run" again . Then I ran Sunpeaks in 2005 - my first 5k since my near-fatal blood clots and back surgery in 2000. I felt like I was on top of the world - I couldn't believe that I actually ran 5K! That rainy, cold run @ Sunpeaks forever changed me...Runclub has given me confidence to strive to do the "unthinkable" - like run a half a marthon! I have so many really wonderful memories - Sunday Mornings, Tuesday Nights, Sunpeaks (always spiritual for me), Boogie, Banff, Vegas... All the zany things the club does to bring silliness and fun in the sometimes way-too-serious life of mine. My goodness, I wore a bra on the outside of my shirt - that's something I would never, have done before joining RUNClub! RUNClub has helped me to learn how to live for today...how to focus on what I can do today to make my life better... and most importantly - how to lighten up a little :) So thank-you Jo. ~ Barb D
"Dear JO. THANK YOU... you have helped to make me a happier, healthier person, and I know now more than ever that wherever I go in life I always have the strength to overcome any obstacle. Running has given me this and so much more. I'm sure I speak not only for myself but for countless others when I say that the world is a more joyful place with people like you in it." ~ Kelty McKerracher
"Hi Jo, Have to pass this info on to you... My girlfriend who lives in Victoria was running the half. She was very impressed with your inspirational support to the group and noticed throughout the race that you were running for other people, encouraging them along and your happiness was contagious... Her parting words..."How cool." so I just wanted you to know you made an impact on someone who didn't even know you. You guys are stand outs in the greatest way. Have a fun week." ~ J.
"I am a beginner runner and lovin' it. Wow! There is sure a lot more to run club than just running! I love it!! I find it very cool to hear you talk about all the life stuff involved in running; the masks, and the positive self talk and the comfort zones!!! Huge to me!!! Wow! I dealt with anxiety and panic attacks for seven years after our first daughter was born and I looked to everything to make it go away; medicine, doctors,but the only thing that made any difference was the same things that you talk about and teach. " ~ A.
Hi Jo,I just got back from doing the marathon in Kelowna and couldn't wait to tell you the good news. I'm just beaming because I qualified for Boston!!!!!!! I'm still in shock because it wasn't even on the radar, but everything just felt so right. "J" and my family were there, the weather was perfect, the course was flat, my legs felt great...... I am so thankful this thanksgiving. Thank-you, Jo, for opening up this incredible gift of running for me!" ~ N. (Beginner runner, Grad, LSD-ER @ runclub - now boston qualifier & iron woman this year coming!)
"I am a beginner runner and lovin' it. Wow! There is sure a lot more to run club than just running! I love it!! I find it very cool to hear you talk about all the life stuff involved in running; the masks, and the positive self talk and the comfort zones!!! Huge to me!!! Wow! I dealt with anxiety and panic attacks for seven years after our first daughter was born and I looked to everything to make it go away; medicine, doctors,but the only thing that made any difference was the same things that you talk about and teach. " ~ A.
Hi Jo,I just got back from doing the marathon in Kelowna and couldn't wait to tell you the good news. I'm just beaming because I qualified for Boston!!!!!!! I'm still in shock because it wasn't even on the radar, but everything just felt so right. "J" and my family were there, the weather was perfect, the course was flat, my legs felt great...... I am so thankful this thanksgiving. Thank-you, Jo, for opening up this incredible gift of running for me!" ~ N. (Beginner runner, Grad, LSD-ER @ runclub - now boston qualifier & iron woman this year coming!)
"I want to thank you and all the runclub coaches... for all the fun and great enthusiam plus all the support during the 2 & 3 run clubs - it was so great!! So valuable and informative right from fartleks to all the great trails!! I so enjoy meeting new people and exploring new places, so, I so thank you for all the exposure and companionship from the bottom of my heart! I have done more than I ever imagined! I am so proud of myself for running 20km and with no problems - thanks to the runclub program." ~ Hedy Conwright
